What does it sound like?:
Reese Wynans may not be a household name, but for anyone that’s ever listened to Blues or Southern Rock, you have probably heard him playing before. Keyboard virtuoso for 50 years or so and part of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Double Trouble, this is his first solo album. Currently part of Joe Bonamassa’s touring band, who produces this (and obviously plays guitar on a number of tracks).
Kicking off with the SRV track “Crossfire” (one of several on the album) featuring Kenny Wayne Shepherd, the Double Trouble rhythm section and Sam Moore on vocals, you immediately know you are in for a treat with its mix of rock out guitars, funky horns and solid groove. There’s a varied selection of styles on show here – from the Keb Mo guitar / Reese piano blues of “I’ve Got A Right To Be Blue”, the funky horn led Willie Mitchell song “That Driving Beat” to the multi vocal (seven I think) Boz Scaggs title track “Sweet Release”. A highlight being the SRV track “Riviera Paradise” featuring both Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Joe Bonamassa on guitar. The album finishes with a solo rendition of The Beatles “Blackbird” – a nice wind down from the generally upbeat intensity of the album.
What does it all *mean*?
This captures one of legendary blues keyboard players at his peak, surrounded with a vast pool of current blues who’s who, that don’t overwhelm, just add to final product. Bonamassa does a fine job on his first production duties and does in no way over power with his trademark blues licks.
The blues are alive and well and this is an album of the year.
Goes well with…
Anything really – a generally upbeat album (great in the car !)
Release Date:
Might suit people who like…
Blues, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Allman’s, Tedeschi Trucks, good music……
Chrisf says
Here’s “Crossfire”…..
fortuneight says
I’ve picked up a copy of this and agree with your review. I suppose he’s played safe with the song selection but nonetheless it’s a great album.
What I didn’t know until recently was that he was part of the early jam sessions between the prospective members of the Allman Brothers, but was dropped as Greg didn’t want a second keyboard player (having already got 2 guitarists and 2 drummers).
Tiggerlion says
This review has given me the urge to have a listen.